How King Charles broke with tradition with latest Christmas speech

For his third Royal Christmas Broadcast as Monarch, King Charles has made a major change to the beloved tradition. 

Instead of delivering his speech from Buckingham Palace in London, or one of the other royal residences such as Windsor Castle or the Sandringham estate, The King’s speech has been recorded elsewhere. 

King Charles’s holiday address was recorded at the Fitzrovia Chapel in London. The chapel previously served as the chapel of the Middlesex Hospital until it was amalgamated into University College Hospital. 

It is thought that the setting for his Christmas day speech is a connection to his ongoing cancer treatments, as well as the Princess of Wales’ cancer treatments this past year. 

The ornate chapel was restored and reopened as a community space in 2016. Given that it is now a multi-faith space, it also lines up with His Majesty’s approach to welcoming all faiths. 

There have been a handful of Christmas speeches not recorded at royal residences. In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II recorded her message at a former royal residence, Hampton Court Palace. And in 2006, Her Majesty recorded her speech at Southwark Cathedral. Elizabeth II also recorded a message at the Royal Albert Hall.

The King’s Christmas Broadcast will be broadcast on Christmas Day on both television and radio at 3pm.